To read or not to read....

So book clubs are a huge hit in my neighborhood. I mean almost everyone belongs to one whether it's their past ward, their girlfriends or the library. Well, I have never been in one - and when our ward started one up - I decided to partake.

The first book we read was, "These is my Words." I have to admit it was painful for me to get through. I think it was like page 100 before I was finally into it. Even after I was into it - I still struggled. It's written in diary form - and it just wasn't reaching out and grabbing me. As a matter of fact, I fell asleep the first five times I started to read it - this included once in the daytime.

When I was only on page twelve by day five, I was seriously reconsidering the book club (at least for this month). Then I ran into the gal who had started it up - and had picked the book. She said she hoped I was coming to book club - because she didn't think anyone else she had invited could make it. Inside I was groaning, but I told her of course I would be there - and then hoped like a dirty dog that there were cliff notes (there's not by the way).
Reading this book was like a chore to me! It was on my to-do list - and believe me it ranked right up there with cleaning boy toilets. But I did finally finish the book. The crazy thing is I love to read and can usually read a 350 page book in a couple of days. But, this took me almost 2 weeks.

Tuesday was book club night. Surprisingly enough, there were 5 of us in attendance (although only 3 of us had actually read the book - when I found that out I wanted to yell - "you mean not reading the book was an option?" who knew). We discussed the book - and I did tell them it took me awhile to get into it. Thank goodness nobody asked if I actually liked it. Although someone did ask what my favorite part was - I almost said - it was the end.
The night was coming to a close, and the girl in charge says what book should we read next? We all sit there not wanting to step on toes. She finally says - well did you know there is a sequel to "These is My Words?" It's called "Sarah's Quilt". I promise I heard screaming inside my head.

Luckily, (at least I thought at the time) another lady - who hadn't read the book (and was all the wiser for it) - suggested some books. I promise you every single one of them is deeper than the day is long. Not one was fluffy. Not one was light reading. Not one was a chick flick type book. I think they were all based in a third-world country - not that there's anything wrong with that -but c'mon it's summer - and let's face it I'm not a deep person.
We settled on a non-fiction book (which to be honest the only non-fiction things I read are the scriptures, the ensign and the children's friend). Anyway the book is called, "Three cups of Tea" It's an inspiring story about a mountain climber living on the edge - who changes his ways and makes a difference by building schools in India. I am betting there are no cliff notes on this one.
When I told my DH the title of the next book, he laughed and said "Honey - this book club isn't for you - these aren't the kind of books you are even interested in." I wasn't sure if I should be insulted & thank him for pointing out my weaknesses - or be glad for an excuse to quit the group.

So what's a fluffy, shallow girl supposed to do? Well, I decided to give it another month. I put the book on hold at the library - and I am going to read it. Then next month I am bringing my list of trashy romance novels and those deep women are going to suffer through it like I have suffered through their books. Just kidding - but I really am going to bring a list of options for next month (don't worry - it won't be dicey romance novels) - and hopefully nobody figures me out for the shallow reader that I am.